Ten Days Left in Ouaga

In ten days, I will be boarding the plane and headed to the U.S. for the summer. The plan from there is that I will be headed to Mali in August. It is difficult to think after 9-10 months of serving in Ouaga, it is time for me to leave. Yet, I know that I made a difference in many lives this past year.

I am truly thankful for all of my friends, family and partners who have been by my side every step of the way. I would not have been able to impact the lives of so many children here, if it wasn't for the support of so many back home who was right along side of me.

On really tough days (because yes...some days were really tough between the hot temperatures and long distance from home, sickness, etc), I had thought of throwing in the towel and calling it quits; Yet, then I'd get an email from a partner or a package from a friend and God would give me the gentle reminder that I am not alone. I am humbled at the level of support I had this past year. So many people came along side of me and prayed with me about lots of different people and topics. Thank you! So many people sent care packages in the mail with food and spices and little things that made a huge difference. Thank you! The dance studio I taught at, Kinetic Arts Dance Studio sent a large donation of dance shoes for the girls. Thank you! So many friends and family sent emails consistently checking in with me or just sharing with me what was going on in their life. Thank you! I enjoyed staying connected with you in the emails. I can really go on and on and on...but I think you get the point. I am truly thankful for each and every one of you. You really have made a difference in many different people's lives here in West Africa. And of course, you made a difference in my life too. I would not have been able to serve this year, if it wasn't for you, your support, your prayers, your encouragement, your inspiration and your love.

Okay....I just have to say thank you again... this time in a video. Check it out!

Music and Dancing in a Village

I have been to my share of music festivals all over the United States. From being to Phish festivals to working at Red Rocks Amphitheater for three summers, I have seen many different types of music and dancing celebrations. So, when I heard about this one, I couldn't turn it down! People from all different villages came together to sing and dance and worship God! They also performed songs and dances that tell stories of the past of their culture and village. They all sang songs in different languages. I think there was a total of 5 different languages being spoken and sung at the festival.The sun was beaming, the air was hot but that didn't stop these musicians from performing. It was a really nice to step a little deeper into their culture. Oh and yes, I did step into the circle and danced with them as well for a few songs.

News From The Classroom

Check out our video to find out the latest news:

Additional notes: Thank you to Ciara for video taping for us. Also, the girls have all memorized their lines, what to say and the memory verses. There was no teleprompter used. Hope you enjoyed it!

Marbles, Swimming Pools, Waterfalls and Hippos....

This past week, I had the opportunity to visit Bobo and spend some time with a friend of mine. After five hours on a bus while it was over 100 degrees, we made it to Bobo. The bus ride was hot and the bus stop is quite the experience as well. People surrounded us as soon as we got off the bus trying to sell us everything and anything from bananas, to chicken, to eggs, bread, tissues and more! Therefore, we were happy once we arrived to our destination!

While in Bobo, we learned a new game that is played with marbles. The children of the town of Bobo taught us how to play. It was fun to learn a little more about what life is like for a child living in West Africa.

After that, we headed off to Banfora on another bus ride (luckily this ride was only about an hour). Banfora is my favorite place in Burkina Faso. It is absolutely beautiful there. There are tons of trees and the ground is green and filled with plant life. We took a boat ride to see hippos. It was amazing to see the hippos living in the wild. We had to stay a far distance away from them but we were still able to watch them come up to the surface and then go under the water and then return to the surface again. Two hippos were fighting and they were leaping out of the water towards each other. It was quite remarkable to watch! They also would slap their tails on the water to warn the other hippo to stay away.

We had the opportunity to visit some waterfalls. After taking a few minutes to build enough courage, I finally jumped off the cliff into the water. It was fun! Our last stop in Banfora were the domes. It reminded me a little of red rocks and Colorado Monument Park because of all the rock formations. I remember when I drove across country, I visited a place that looked similiar as well. I can't remember the exact name or location but I think it was near South Dakota. The domes in Banfora were real fun to climb and hike on. I enjoyed it greatly!

Poetry Tea Time

After teaching a unit on Poetry, my 2nd and 3rd grade students shared their favorite poems with others during our "Poetry Tea Time". We invited the other class and all of the families to join us. It was really a great time for them to celebrate and share their learning with their families and friends. Even the family members brought poems to share as well. It was a great opportunity for the girls!

Yako Orphanage

This past weekend, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Yako and serve in a different orphanage there. I rode on my first bus ride in Africa. And....I rode it home alone - all by myself...then proceeded to get and take a taxi on my own the rest of the way. This is a HUGE accomplishment for me!!! I got around on my own without being dependent on other people. It is a good feeling!!!

Swarming Flies, Charging Elephants and Yummy Coba!

I had the opportunity to go to an animal park and go on a safari. We rode in the back of a truck through dirt roads looking for animals. We were accompanied by many buzzing, swarming horse flies which required some extra needed attention of swatting them away so we wouldn't get bit repeatedly. Yet, we still managed to do some sight seeing of animals and nature.

We saw baboons, deer-like animals, elephants, crocodiles, warthogs and more! I enjoyed seeing the animals in their natural habitat. It was very different from seeing them in a zoo locked up in a tight perimeter of fence. After seeing Coba (which is like an elk, moose, horse and antelope all in one), I decided to have Coba for dinner later that evening. I have to say...it was quite good!

I really enjoyed being out in nature. Observing the birds flying in the air, looking at the shapes of the trees, watching the sun set and then rise again the next morning. It felt good to just get out there and experience nature.

The second day, we rode around again and saw a whole family of baboons. We also saw lots of animals that look very similiar to deer. Yet, the fun really began once we arrived back at our camp. The elephants were right there...within twenty feet of us, eating the leaves off the trees. When there is no wire or fence or barricade between you and the elephants, it really put things into perspective...of how massive these creatures are! The elephants then crossed the road and headed down to the barage for some water to go with their lunch full of leaves. So, of course, we followed them. After some time of snapping pictures, we inched closer and closer to them when all of a sudden we realized that one of the elephants was coming towards us rather quickly. I snapped one last picture and then realized he appeared to be irritated by our close approach so he fanned out his ears and started charging us... so we ran....and didn't look back...we just ran and ran!!! Luckily, we all were not touched by the elephant. I guess once it saw that we were running away, it realized it accomplished what it wanted to do ...to scare us away!!!  I have a new level of respect for these very large, massive, strong animals.

All in all, it was a great experience and I am blessed to have had the opportunity to live with the elephants and nature for two days in Africa!